Should I Pre-Study Gen Chem?

[Ryan17]

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Hi Guys,

As a non-trad postbac student who hasn't had gen chem since high school (2007) and remembers nothing, would you recommend I start going through the chapters in a chemistry textbook and working problems before my summer gen chem 1 class starts? It's a 5 week class so it will go at a much quicker pace than normal.

My class starts June 2, should I start pre-studying now or will starting in May be alright? Thanks!!

 

[Angelatron]

I hadn't had chemistry since high school either, although that was in the late 90s. I've found that Khan Academy has been a great resource to get a "refresher" on math and chemistry. Since learning chemistry is like learning a new language, it doesn't hurt to get a head start, especially since summer classes are so compact.

 

[crazy87]

i second khan academy for pre-studying.

 

[mavric1298]

I wouldn't think that too much is required, as long as you remember the general basics. I found going back to gen chem wasn't bad at all, but a quick refresher wouldn't hurt.

 

[dfib slim]

.

 

[Ryan17]

Thanks for the replies guys. Yeah I'm doing pre-cal and cal now to get my math skills sharp.

I'm thinking 4 weeks of pre studying, maybe knocking out the first 5-6 chapters of the textbook should be good a enough headstart for a 5 week class?

 

[mavric1298]

I would say thats overdoing it, unless you feel like thats the best use of your time. I went in with no refresher, and it wasn't difficult at all.

 

[Five0tomed68]

I would say thats overdoing it, unless you feel like thats the best use of your time. I went in with no refresher, and it wasn't difficult at all.

If you have the time, why not?

The more you're prepared the better you are going to do. If you have a strong understanding of the material, you can focus on the minutia or start thinking about the material as it may apply to the MCAT instead of just trying to do well in the class.

Unless the extra studying is going to cut into your volunteer time or something else you would do to boost your application, it wouldn't hurt.

 

[frosted_flake]

If I could go back and pre-study for general chemistry, I think it would be most helpful to know my polyatomic ions. Easy to memorize, but its a pain when you have other things you need to do. There are a lot of ways online to remember them 🙂